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Lacey Flint #4.5
Here Be Dragons
There must be a thousand people in the vicinity of Westminster Bridge on this beautiful evening . . . in approximately thirty minutes’ time, many of them will be dead.
Mark Joesbury, of Scotland Yard’s Covert Operations Unit, is undercover. Embroiled in a terrorist gang’s plans for a deadly attack at the heart of the capital, he’s risking everything to stop them. But as they prepare to target London’s most iconic landmarks, it’s no longer just countless strangers he’s fighting to save. Because they’ve also got the woman he loves, DC Lacey Flint…
Mark Joesbury, of Scotland Yard’s Covert Operations Unit, is undercover. Embroiled in a terrorist gang’s plans for a deadly attack at the heart of the capital, he’s risking everything to stop them. But as they prepare to target London’s most iconic landmarks, it’s no longer just countless strangers he’s fighting to save. Because they’ve also got the woman he loves, DC Lacey Flint…
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2016
208 people are currently reading
1651 people want to read
About the author
Sharon J. Bolton
44 books4,598 followersSharon's newest book The Split is now available in both hardback and paperback in the UK!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Split-grippi...
Sharon J Bolton was born and brought up in Lancashire, the eldest of three daughters. As a child, she dreamed of becoming an actress and a dancer, studying ballet, tap and jazz from a young age and reading drama at Loughborough University.
She spent her early career in marketing and PR before returning to full-time education to study for a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Warwick University, where she met her husband, Andrew. They moved to London and Sharon held a number of PR posts in the City. She left the City to work freelance, to start a family and to write.
She and Andrew now live in a village in the Chiltern Hills, not far from Oxford, with their son and the latest addition to the family: Lupe, the lop-eared lurcher. Her daily life revolves around the school run, walking the dog and those ever-looming publishing deadlines.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Split-grippi...
Sharon J Bolton was born and brought up in Lancashire, the eldest of three daughters. As a child, she dreamed of becoming an actress and a dancer, studying ballet, tap and jazz from a young age and reading drama at Loughborough University.
She spent her early career in marketing and PR before returning to full-time education to study for a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Warwick University, where she met her husband, Andrew. They moved to London and Sharon held a number of PR posts in the City. She left the City to work freelance, to start a family and to write.
She and Andrew now live in a village in the Chiltern Hills, not far from Oxford, with their son and the latest addition to the family: Lupe, the lop-eared lurcher. Her daily life revolves around the school run, walking the dog and those ever-looming publishing deadlines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
May 22, 2021
Book 4.5 in the Lacey Flint series published 2016
A 5 star short story.
The was a short story that packed a big punch.
Although it’s apart of the Flint series the star on this occasion was Mark Joesbury.
Lacey Flint main contribution to the story was to be constantly on Mark’s mind, besotted and infatuated are two words that come to mind.
Mark’s world is the world of undercover and as the book opens we find Mark in the process of ingratiating himself with, what appears to be, a bunch of Arabs with terrorism on their minds.
Mark’s objective is to discover what, when and how and at the same time save Lacey from a life threatening situation.
It might be only 71 pages long but it’s about as thrilling as a thriller can get and in the end it’s an important piece in the Lacey/ Mark relationship.
A must read for fans of this series.
A 5 star short story.
The was a short story that packed a big punch.
Although it’s apart of the Flint series the star on this occasion was Mark Joesbury.
Lacey Flint main contribution to the story was to be constantly on Mark’s mind, besotted and infatuated are two words that come to mind.
Mark’s world is the world of undercover and as the book opens we find Mark in the process of ingratiating himself with, what appears to be, a bunch of Arabs with terrorism on their minds.
Mark’s objective is to discover what, when and how and at the same time save Lacey from a life threatening situation.
It might be only 71 pages long but it’s about as thrilling as a thriller can get and in the end it’s an important piece in the Lacey/ Mark relationship.
A must read for fans of this series.
November 5, 2016
Well, well, well! A tasty tidbit for fans of Lacey Flint and Mark Joesbury! Bolton sure packs a lot into a few pages, and most of this little story surrounds Joesbury. This a quick enjoyable read. I still wonder if there will be another book in the series.
September 17, 2016
Those addicted to Lacey Flint (Flinties?) might be tempted to skip this novella-length riverine adventure as merely a snack to whet our appetites for the real thing - another full-scale novel. Still, don't miss this one. It contains the event that all followers of Joesbury & Lacey have been awaiting almost since Now You See Me ended. Also when we reflect that should Lacey's chronicler Ms. Bolton tire of her (& our girl's not been around for a while), how better could Lacey & Joesbury depart the world of crime fiction in a blaze of glory than putting their own lives between a Most Important Personage & a nefarious terrorist plot? So most definitely a must read.
October 26, 2016
Like most “Flinties” (thanks, Bill) I’ve been battling withdrawal from Ms. Bolton’s Lacey Flint series. In lieu of a full course, here’s a little snack to relieve the symptoms.
It begins with Mark Joesbury steering an RIB full of terrorists down the Thames on a beautiful summer’s night. Enough hints are dropped to make us dread the potential carnage to follow but who/what is the target?
The story then goes back 3 weeks in time & we get the scoop on Mark’s latest undercover assignment for Scotland Yard. It’s a shortie so I won’t go into too much detail but suffice to say Mark has to deal with some seriously unpleasant men, snarly Middle East politics, rats on his team & a direct threat to Lacey.
The events fit neatly in between the pages of the last full length book, seamlessly filling the holes of what was left unsaid. It’s a short but tense ride with characters we’ve become so invested in, especially when the target is revealed. And with the final sentence, Ms. Bolton delivers a little gift for long suffering fans.
Dead Woman Walking is her new stand alone due out in April. But I miss this series. Maybe if we all write her a letter & cc it to Santa……?
It begins with Mark Joesbury steering an RIB full of terrorists down the Thames on a beautiful summer’s night. Enough hints are dropped to make us dread the potential carnage to follow but who/what is the target?
The story then goes back 3 weeks in time & we get the scoop on Mark’s latest undercover assignment for Scotland Yard. It’s a shortie so I won’t go into too much detail but suffice to say Mark has to deal with some seriously unpleasant men, snarly Middle East politics, rats on his team & a direct threat to Lacey.
The events fit neatly in between the pages of the last full length book, seamlessly filling the holes of what was left unsaid. It’s a short but tense ride with characters we’ve become so invested in, especially when the target is revealed. And with the final sentence, Ms. Bolton delivers a little gift for long suffering fans.
Dead Woman Walking is her new stand alone due out in April. But I miss this series. Maybe if we all write her a letter & cc it to Santa……?
March 6, 2018
Again, so good to catch up with some favourites characters from one of my favourite authors.
Always grateful to Sharon Bolton to be the first author to do a Q and A's for my group on goodreads, "A Good Thriller". Then a new authors, a few years later and one of Britain's top selling authors.
While working on books and authors I had to catch up on I realised there was a short story with Lacey Flint, here in 4.5 in the series.
Although, let's be honest Lacey's role in the book is tiny. The main role goes to another regular character of Sharon Bolton's, Mark Joesbury.
Mark Joesbury, of Scotland Yard’s Covert Operations Unit, is undercover. Embroiled in a terrorist gang’s plans for a deadly attack at the heart of the capital, he’s risking everything to stop them. But as they prepare to target London’s most iconic landmarks, it’s no longer just countless strangers he’s fighting to save. Because they’ve also got the woman he loves, DC Lacey Flint…
A quick well paced thriller, now at least up to date on my Lacey Flint books.
Four stars
Always grateful to Sharon Bolton to be the first author to do a Q and A's for my group on goodreads, "A Good Thriller". Then a new authors, a few years later and one of Britain's top selling authors.
While working on books and authors I had to catch up on I realised there was a short story with Lacey Flint, here in 4.5 in the series.
Although, let's be honest Lacey's role in the book is tiny. The main role goes to another regular character of Sharon Bolton's, Mark Joesbury.
Mark Joesbury, of Scotland Yard’s Covert Operations Unit, is undercover. Embroiled in a terrorist gang’s plans for a deadly attack at the heart of the capital, he’s risking everything to stop them. But as they prepare to target London’s most iconic landmarks, it’s no longer just countless strangers he’s fighting to save. Because they’ve also got the woman he loves, DC Lacey Flint…
A quick well paced thriller, now at least up to date on my Lacey Flint books.
Four stars
March 31, 2017
You can find all my reviews on www.itsbooktalk.com
For a short story this was very good. Of course I would've loved an entire 5th book to be able to catch up with Mark and Lacey but I'll take what I can get! This story is mainly narrated from Mark's perspective and I have to say, I really missed Mark. He's somewhat of a bad boy detective who takes a lot of risks in his undercover assignments. In this book, he's infiltrated a terrorist group who've got plans for something BIG in London, question is what is it and can Mark put the pieces together in time? Sadly, we don't hear much from Lacey in this one, although she does make an appearance which I was very excited about. The ending was great if not a little too quick and for the first time Sharon Bolton has left us with a cliffhanger of HUGE proportions!
If you'd like to continue on after this story you can pre-order and/or purchase Dead Woman Walking when it's released 4/20 in the UK and Sept. in the US and send Sharon Bolton proof of your purchase via her email listed on her website and she will send you a PDF of her next short story titled Lacey's Wedding!!
For a short story this was very good. Of course I would've loved an entire 5th book to be able to catch up with Mark and Lacey but I'll take what I can get! This story is mainly narrated from Mark's perspective and I have to say, I really missed Mark. He's somewhat of a bad boy detective who takes a lot of risks in his undercover assignments. In this book, he's infiltrated a terrorist group who've got plans for something BIG in London, question is what is it and can Mark put the pieces together in time? Sadly, we don't hear much from Lacey in this one, although she does make an appearance which I was very excited about. The ending was great if not a little too quick and for the first time Sharon Bolton has left us with a cliffhanger of HUGE proportions!
If you'd like to continue on after this story you can pre-order and/or purchase Dead Woman Walking when it's released 4/20 in the UK and Sept. in the US and send Sharon Bolton proof of your purchase via her email listed on her website and she will send you a PDF of her next short story titled Lacey's Wedding!!
August 6, 2019
A Terrifying adrenaline rush and the cherry on top finale to the Lacey Flint series!
THIS IS THE RIVER Thames in London, about an hour before sunset on a midsummer evening, the time of day when the light blooms and the world is awash with charm and possibilities. This is the time of day when grey stone turns the colour of candle flame, when the illusion of a tan lends a beauty to pale faces and when dull hair shines with borrowed glamour. This is the time that film-makers and photographers call the magic hour. Or golden hour.
Just eleven days into July and the Thames at Westminster Bridge is an expanse of molten metal, a fire-bright lava flow, gleaming its way through the jewel-coloured glass towers, the honey-bright facades of the Georgian riverside buildings, and past the Gothic arches and turrets of the Palace of Westminster.
Above the river, clouds are mustering, but their heavy, voluptuous presence merely enhances the beauty of the evening because the light floods into the clouds until they seem about to burst with colour. The cloud-bank hangs in the sky like a heavy canopy of gold.
Westminster is busy. The traffic is heavy in central London this evening and there must be over fifty cars, taxis and buses along the length of the bridge. There are pedestrians too, loitering, enjoying the unique vantage points the bridge offers. More crowds amble along both river banks. On the terraces of the Palace of Westminster, sharp-suited men and women in flowing summer dresses try to keep their drinks, and their underarms, from becoming too warm.
Few people are enjoying the golden evening more than those in the thirty-two capsules of the London Eye. The giant observation wheel has become one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and tonight the ‘flights’ have all sold out.
All told, there must be a thousand people in the vicinity of Westminster Bridge on this beautiful evening; which is a great, great pity, because in approximately thirty minutes’ time, many of them will be dead.
********
I had absolutely no power whatsoever of waiting a minute longer to find out what was to come in this book so I read it immediately following the conclusion of the fourth book, A Dark and Twisted Tide
Wow! Doesn't even begin to describe the power of this short but mighty read! Sharon J. Bolton saved the best for last! What a brilliant way to bring the exhilarating Lacey Flint series to a close!
I'll miss you, Lacey!
I'll be reading this series again!
THIS IS THE RIVER Thames in London, about an hour before sunset on a midsummer evening, the time of day when the light blooms and the world is awash with charm and possibilities. This is the time of day when grey stone turns the colour of candle flame, when the illusion of a tan lends a beauty to pale faces and when dull hair shines with borrowed glamour. This is the time that film-makers and photographers call the magic hour. Or golden hour.
Just eleven days into July and the Thames at Westminster Bridge is an expanse of molten metal, a fire-bright lava flow, gleaming its way through the jewel-coloured glass towers, the honey-bright facades of the Georgian riverside buildings, and past the Gothic arches and turrets of the Palace of Westminster.
Above the river, clouds are mustering, but their heavy, voluptuous presence merely enhances the beauty of the evening because the light floods into the clouds until they seem about to burst with colour. The cloud-bank hangs in the sky like a heavy canopy of gold.
Westminster is busy. The traffic is heavy in central London this evening and there must be over fifty cars, taxis and buses along the length of the bridge. There are pedestrians too, loitering, enjoying the unique vantage points the bridge offers. More crowds amble along both river banks. On the terraces of the Palace of Westminster, sharp-suited men and women in flowing summer dresses try to keep their drinks, and their underarms, from becoming too warm.
Few people are enjoying the golden evening more than those in the thirty-two capsules of the London Eye. The giant observation wheel has become one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and tonight the ‘flights’ have all sold out.
All told, there must be a thousand people in the vicinity of Westminster Bridge on this beautiful evening; which is a great, great pity, because in approximately thirty minutes’ time, many of them will be dead.
********
I had absolutely no power whatsoever of waiting a minute longer to find out what was to come in this book so I read it immediately following the conclusion of the fourth book, A Dark and Twisted Tide
Wow! Doesn't even begin to describe the power of this short but mighty read! Sharon J. Bolton saved the best for last! What a brilliant way to bring the exhilarating Lacey Flint series to a close!
I'll miss you, Lacey!
I'll be reading this series again!
February 6, 2017
Sharon Bolton is one of my favourite authors; I will pick up anything with her name on it. My favourite, however, is her Lacey Flint work. Anything and everything Lacey Flint related ends up in my hands without me looking too hard at what it is. Hell, Sharon Bolton could write a recipe to make Lacey’s favourite meal and I would grab it without a second thought – such is my love for the series.
One thing I’ve always wanted, however, is a Mark story. I love his character; I’ve always wanted to read a story that follows his world. Part of me has always wanted to read his older days, back when he was a younger officer, but reading a present day Mark story was just as fun. It allowed me to see into his world, it allowed me to see him as a more rounded character. I admit that I wanted more from this, that I would have favoured a full-length novel, but this was enough to satisfy my desire for the time being.
Whilst Here Be Dragons was a great short story, it wasn’t quite as powerful as the main series. It was a lot of fun, but it wasn’t filled with all the twists and turns you usually find in a Sharon Bolton novel. It had enough for a story of this length – yet when I compare it to the other Lacey Flint short story, If Snow Hadn’t Fallen, it seemed as though events progressed far too quickly without the mystique that could have been applied.
The events that occurred seemed to be less about creating a mini-mystery and more about developing Mark. As much as I loved the development of Mark, I’ll admit that I wanted more from the thriller events. A lot did happen, there were events that left me smiling, but it wasn’t the edge of my seat read I’m so used to seeing from Sharon Bolton.
Ergo, it made for a fun quick read but it wasn’t everything I had hoped it would be.
I will say, however, that it has left me super eager for another Lacey Flint story. I know Sharon Bolton is taking a break and writing a number of standalone novels – all of which have proven to be wonderful to date – yet the ending left me impatient to see where this story goes next. In other words, when the next Lacey Flint book is released expect me to go a little crazy over it.
One thing I’ve always wanted, however, is a Mark story. I love his character; I’ve always wanted to read a story that follows his world. Part of me has always wanted to read his older days, back when he was a younger officer, but reading a present day Mark story was just as fun. It allowed me to see into his world, it allowed me to see him as a more rounded character. I admit that I wanted more from this, that I would have favoured a full-length novel, but this was enough to satisfy my desire for the time being.
Whilst Here Be Dragons was a great short story, it wasn’t quite as powerful as the main series. It was a lot of fun, but it wasn’t filled with all the twists and turns you usually find in a Sharon Bolton novel. It had enough for a story of this length – yet when I compare it to the other Lacey Flint short story, If Snow Hadn’t Fallen, it seemed as though events progressed far too quickly without the mystique that could have been applied.
The events that occurred seemed to be less about creating a mini-mystery and more about developing Mark. As much as I loved the development of Mark, I’ll admit that I wanted more from the thriller events. A lot did happen, there were events that left me smiling, but it wasn’t the edge of my seat read I’m so used to seeing from Sharon Bolton.
Ergo, it made for a fun quick read but it wasn’t everything I had hoped it would be.
I will say, however, that it has left me super eager for another Lacey Flint story. I know Sharon Bolton is taking a break and writing a number of standalone novels – all of which have proven to be wonderful to date – yet the ending left me impatient to see where this story goes next. In other words, when the next Lacey Flint book is released expect me to go a little crazy over it.
February 6, 2017
A pretty short, well-paced story told from entirely Joesbury's POV. We get the whole story of what he was doing during the events of "A Dark and Twisted Tide", plus a little more action. The ending included some major Joesbury-Lacey Feels and I can not believe that the author hasn't even announced yet when the next book in this series will be. I need more!
December 4, 2023
My Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ action packed short novella!!
This little in-between novella comes between book 4 and 5 (with another called Lacey’s Wedding at 4.6 straight after this one), and it is a little treat told from Mark Joesbury’s POV.
I quite liked this one, Mark is undercover and it crosses slightly over from the end of the previous book to this one (even though the timeline is a little skewered but still)… and Mark and Lacey get up to all sorts of shenannigans (not the lovers type sorry).
It is a good little one to keep you going and its just about 100 pages or just under so easy to finish in an hour or so.
It is written well and fast paced so I really enjoyed it. Of course Lacey gets embroiled in the case… but I think thats the style of these books so I am leaning into it.
Overall I enjoyed it, you don’t need to read it to go to book 5 but I like to read all the in-between of a series I am enjoying… so I was glad I did.
This little in-between novella comes between book 4 and 5 (with another called Lacey’s Wedding at 4.6 straight after this one), and it is a little treat told from Mark Joesbury’s POV.
I quite liked this one, Mark is undercover and it crosses slightly over from the end of the previous book to this one (even though the timeline is a little skewered but still)… and Mark and Lacey get up to all sorts of shenannigans (not the lovers type sorry).
It is a good little one to keep you going and its just about 100 pages or just under so easy to finish in an hour or so.
It is written well and fast paced so I really enjoyed it. Of course Lacey gets embroiled in the case… but I think thats the style of these books so I am leaning into it.
Overall I enjoyed it, you don’t need to read it to go to book 5 but I like to read all the in-between of a series I am enjoying… so I was glad I did.
December 30, 2017
Let's be honest: the first 75% of this short is a blandly told, emotionless, soulless wreck of a story and it doesn't pick up until the very end. And I guess Sharon Bolton is as passionate about her Lacey Flint series as I am right now: zero. Most probably this short ebook represents the end of a series I adored for most of its installments and that's truly a shame. Lacey Flint and Mark Josebury deserved better than this hastily written conclusion that isn't much more than a mere re-telling of the events that happend in the last regular book, plus some garnish and added drama. Meh. A very big MEH. Why does this feel like betrayal, Mrs. Bolton? Sad to see you go like this, Lacey.
January 22, 2023
Not my favorite short story but hopefully a good introduction to the fifth book in the series.
April 3, 2016
Going undercover...
A summer night in London, and Mark Joesbury is steering a Marine Unit boat up the Thames. He's under orders but not from his superiors. An undercover mission is going badly wrong, his cover is blown and the bad guys are holding a gun to Lacey Flint's head...
What a brilliant story! Any fan of the Lacey Flint series must read this, and it would actually work fine as a standalone thriller too. In terms of time period, it crosses over with the ending of A Dark and Twisted Tide, tying in with things we learned in that one, while avoiding any spoilers for it. It's novella length – I'm rubbish at converting from Kindle length (881) to pages but I'd guess about 60 or 70. Long enough for Bolton to give us a really believable, satisfying story, with as much depth as most novels achieve, but just the right length to read in one session.
The plot is great and frighteningly credible, based on a terrorist threat, which is as much as I'm going to tell you about it. It's the gorgeous and lovely Mark Joesbury who's in the starring role for once, and he fills it perfectly, though of course Lacey has a part to play too. As she did in A Dark and Twisted Tide, Bolton brings the Thames to life, with its shifting tides and hidden dangers lurking beneath its moody beauty, running between some of the most important buildings in the UK. Her descriptive writing really is second to none at creating an atmospheric sense of place.
And tension! Oh yes! Brilliant build-up, fantastic dénouement. Pulse-racing stuff – can't remember when I last enjoyed a short story so much (sorry, James Joyce!). And as for the ending... trust me, Lacey fans, you'll want to have read this one before the next novel comes along. Which I hope will be soon!! The best kind of cliffhanger – the type that leaves you satisfied but also wanting more...
Can you guess I'm recommending this one? *turns triple cartwheels while blowing a horn*
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
A summer night in London, and Mark Joesbury is steering a Marine Unit boat up the Thames. He's under orders but not from his superiors. An undercover mission is going badly wrong, his cover is blown and the bad guys are holding a gun to Lacey Flint's head...
What a brilliant story! Any fan of the Lacey Flint series must read this, and it would actually work fine as a standalone thriller too. In terms of time period, it crosses over with the ending of A Dark and Twisted Tide, tying in with things we learned in that one, while avoiding any spoilers for it. It's novella length – I'm rubbish at converting from Kindle length (881) to pages but I'd guess about 60 or 70. Long enough for Bolton to give us a really believable, satisfying story, with as much depth as most novels achieve, but just the right length to read in one session.
The plot is great and frighteningly credible, based on a terrorist threat, which is as much as I'm going to tell you about it. It's the gorgeous and lovely Mark Joesbury who's in the starring role for once, and he fills it perfectly, though of course Lacey has a part to play too. As she did in A Dark and Twisted Tide, Bolton brings the Thames to life, with its shifting tides and hidden dangers lurking beneath its moody beauty, running between some of the most important buildings in the UK. Her descriptive writing really is second to none at creating an atmospheric sense of place.
And tension! Oh yes! Brilliant build-up, fantastic dénouement. Pulse-racing stuff – can't remember when I last enjoyed a short story so much (sorry, James Joyce!). And as for the ending... trust me, Lacey fans, you'll want to have read this one before the next novel comes along. Which I hope will be soon!! The best kind of cliffhanger – the type that leaves you satisfied but also wanting more...
Can you guess I'm recommending this one? *turns triple cartwheels while blowing a horn*
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
May 2, 2016
I have enjoyed the Lacey Flint series so far, but this novella is not so strong as the longer books. Perhaps it's the length of the book, but it's seems the sensational aspects are exaggerated. The hero here is Joesbury rather than Flint, and he comes over more as a superhero than a police detective.
Questionable also, although the story is about terrorism, is the stereotypical names of the criminals. Perhaps also the special setting of the Thames has become less special, watered down as it were.
Questionable also, although the story is about terrorism, is the stereotypical names of the criminals. Perhaps also the special setting of the Thames has become less special, watered down as it were.
January 18, 2019
No musela som sa popasovat s anglickou verziou, kedze v Sj ani v Cj nevysla, tak niektore opisy isli mimo mna 😁 Ale fajn, mozno trochu nadsadene. Nie som uz objektivna v hodnoteni, lebo som si dost oblubila hlavne postavy. Prehliadam veci, ktore by ma v inych knihach asi iritovali.
April 23, 2018
Joesbury is a man on a mission...Will he slay the dragon...?
Mark Joesbury goes undercover ...as part of Scotland Yards Covert Operation he has done this before...only this time it's different...though the gang knows he is in the force...there is extreme danger ahead...and many thousands may die...Then on a beautiful July night they come for him ,take him on a boat and from here all he'll is let loose ...Lacey the woman he loves is bound and tied up with a gun to her head...Everything is going on..The clock is ticking...Will they make it out alive....?My third read of the day by this author..Thrills ,blood...danger and a dragonslayer...
Mark Joesbury goes undercover ...as part of Scotland Yards Covert Operation he has done this before...only this time it's different...though the gang knows he is in the force...there is extreme danger ahead...and many thousands may die...Then on a beautiful July night they come for him ,take him on a boat and from here all he'll is let loose ...Lacey the woman he loves is bound and tied up with a gun to her head...Everything is going on..The clock is ticking...Will they make it out alive....?My third read of the day by this author..Thrills ,blood...danger and a dragonslayer...
December 23, 2025
Sharon Bolton can do no wrong, especially when it comes to Lacey Flint and Joesbury. This short story takes place right after thr events on the river with the smuggling and deaths of Afghan girls. It's a quick story that gives an insight into Joesburys undercover life which is a real treat. and ends with a proposal 🥹 love love love it
May 9, 2020
I love this author, and I really like the Lacey Flint series. This was a good short novella where Marine Constable Lacey Flint and her lover undercover detective Mark Joesbury get involved in a terrorist plot in London.
May 9, 2024
In the fourth Lacey Flint book, I found Mark Joesbury’s story to be incomplete and confusing. I loved this novella devoted just to his op. It filled in so many gaps!
January 4, 2021
This story gives more insight in what happened when Joesbury went under cover.
May 7, 2017
Great little novella featuring Lacey Flint and Mark Joesbury. Very much connected to A Dark and Twisted Tide but not repetitive. Exciting story and I'd like more Lacey Flint books please :-)
April 12, 2016
Again one can only marvel of the command of language and skill of this author to deliver an episode in the police lives of Lacey Flint and Mark Joesbury that appears fresh, atmospheric and immersed in the Thames.
What is quite incredible is that this short story is part of the novel A Dark and Twisted Tide and covers initially most of the same timeframe and narrative. Yet it carries new insights as is written from Mark's perspective rather than Lacey's investigation.
It shows that although unable to break cover Joesbury is unable to forget Lacey or fail to keep a safe eye on her; it reveals his love more than even Bolton can express in words alone.
From A Dark and Twisted Tide we know that Mark Joesbury has perhaps got to involved in an undercover operation but in this account we read of the full impact his assignment has on his career and possible future with Flint.
I did worry initially that it would be more action thriller than the usual dark tales the author writes as it has at its core terrorism striking at the heart of the capital. However, Sharon stays true to her skill set and through the Thames carries it off with aplomb. The river remains a potential force for good and ill and all its moods and power is revealed in this terrific account of gangland violence, which produces a political thriller more familiar to fans of John le Carré or Mark Dawson.
I can not praise the author more for writing in this manner and welcome the chance to review it as we look forward to another new project and the release of Daisy in Chains
What is quite incredible is that this short story is part of the novel A Dark and Twisted Tide and covers initially most of the same timeframe and narrative. Yet it carries new insights as is written from Mark's perspective rather than Lacey's investigation.
It shows that although unable to break cover Joesbury is unable to forget Lacey or fail to keep a safe eye on her; it reveals his love more than even Bolton can express in words alone.
From A Dark and Twisted Tide we know that Mark Joesbury has perhaps got to involved in an undercover operation but in this account we read of the full impact his assignment has on his career and possible future with Flint.
I did worry initially that it would be more action thriller than the usual dark tales the author writes as it has at its core terrorism striking at the heart of the capital. However, Sharon stays true to her skill set and through the Thames carries it off with aplomb. The river remains a potential force for good and ill and all its moods and power is revealed in this terrific account of gangland violence, which produces a political thriller more familiar to fans of John le Carré or Mark Dawson.
I can not praise the author more for writing in this manner and welcome the chance to review it as we look forward to another new project and the release of Daisy in Chains
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February 8, 2017I love the Lacey Flint UK cop series. I adore Lacey Flint as the protagonist; she is incredible while also always being on the verge of a personal breakdown or life struggle.
I have been waiting and waiting for the fifth book in the series - Daisy in Chains - which is set to be released Sept 20 2016. (BUT DAISY IN CHAINS ISN'T A LACEY FLINT BOOK WHICH I LATER LEARNED)
I read this "1/2 point" novella release because of my impatience. The first half is a parallel story to book 4 that focuses on Mark Joesbury - our most critical secondary cop when he is undercover.
Not enough Lacey Flint so it isn't really the same as the main novels. Nonetheless, it is a quick, exciting plot-driven undercover cop story that takes place on the London Thames (as expected.) Because of the cliffhanger, I'd recommend reading it before the fifth novel. Good, quick, and reminded me of why I am anxiously waiting for the next Lacey Flint novel. Love ya, Lacey!
WORRIED NOW IN LIGHT OF DAISY IN CHAINS NOT BEING A LACEY FLINT BOOK THAT THIS NOVELLA IS HOW THE LACEY FLINT SERIES WAS WRAPPED UP ... I SURE HOPE NOT
I have been waiting and waiting for the fifth book in the series - Daisy in Chains - which is set to be released Sept 20 2016. (BUT DAISY IN CHAINS ISN'T A LACEY FLINT BOOK WHICH I LATER LEARNED)
I read this "1/2 point" novella release because of my impatience. The first half is a parallel story to book 4 that focuses on Mark Joesbury - our most critical secondary cop when he is undercover.
Not enough Lacey Flint so it isn't really the same as the main novels. Nonetheless, it is a quick, exciting plot-driven undercover cop story that takes place on the London Thames (as expected.) Because of the cliffhanger, I'd recommend reading it before the fifth novel. Good, quick, and reminded me of why I am anxiously waiting for the next Lacey Flint novel. Love ya, Lacey!
WORRIED NOW IN LIGHT OF DAISY IN CHAINS NOT BEING A LACEY FLINT BOOK THAT THIS NOVELLA IS HOW THE LACEY FLINT SERIES WAS WRAPPED UP ... I SURE HOPE NOT
June 5, 2016
This short story features two of my favourite characters Lacey Flint and Mark Joesbury and ties in with the end of A Dark and Twisted Tide, which was the fourth in the Lacey Flint series.
This book really does add something to the end of the last story. Maybe this is a sweetener for those of us who were hoping for another episode of Lacey Flint – although personally my disappointment has been assuaged by the new standalone book, Daisy In Chains which is going to be published next month. In this book we get to hear what Mark Joesbury is doing while he is missing from Lacey’s life – and the longer length mean that there is time for some proper thrills! I’m so glad I read this one and fully recommend it for all lovers of Lacey Flint.
This book really does add something to the end of the last story. Maybe this is a sweetener for those of us who were hoping for another episode of Lacey Flint – although personally my disappointment has been assuaged by the new standalone book, Daisy In Chains which is going to be published next month. In this book we get to hear what Mark Joesbury is doing while he is missing from Lacey’s life – and the longer length mean that there is time for some proper thrills! I’m so glad I read this one and fully recommend it for all lovers of Lacey Flint.
July 22, 2016
Okay let's just take a second to appreciate everything that is Mark Joesbury. Mmmmm. I loved his perspective and him and Lacey just makes me ecstatic and I want more although I feel like this might've been the end and I'm satisfied but not 'cause I WANT MORE.
April 1, 2016
I give it 10/5! Great short story and definitely whets the appetite for more Lacey Flint stories. Nice to hear from Joesbury's PoV though...
March 5, 2020
Another great ride by Bolton and she can deliver in the short story format as well.
August 24, 2019
Well, I’ve just finished this short story after devouring the four books of the series and 1.5 short story. It took me a little over a week because they were THAT good, and I became THAT obsessed with Lacey. I can’t even begin to describe how much I enjoyed this series. Bolton is so good at building suspense, she is holding you in a tight grip throughout the story and is only letting go with the last sentence. As much as I was in it for the psychopathic murderers and dark secrets I was surprised to realize that I was also enjoying the bids of love story. Scenes with Mark and Lacey provided so much needed tension relief, and strangely only humanized Lacey in my eyes. Not to mention together they make such a cute/slightly messed up team, it’s impossible not to fall for them;) Lacey is one the most beautiful, endearing and strongest characters I’ve ever read about and following her crazy journey was so much fun (no matter how much Bolton has put her through). I feel like I need to mention the setting, because Bolton’s London is a character itself, and is such a great stage for all the twisted, gory things that are happening on its streets and the river bank. After spending couple of sleepless nights with these books I feel like I know Thames better than my own kitchen;) it is impossible not to picture it’s dark waters and Lacey’s yellow yacht somewhere on the horizon; Sharon Bolton with her rich atmospheric descriptions is slowly planting the images in your head. I won’t talk about the plot of this short story because honestly it doesn’t matter, I realized that if it’s written by Sharon Bolton, I will always read and always enjoy it. It’s a great series and I just found my new favorite writer.
September 15, 2019
Detective Inspector Mark Joesbury of the Scotland Yard Covert Operations Unit, has a new assignment. He is working undercover to gain information about a terrorist group operating under the radar. As he works his way into their confidence, he discovers that there is a plot to create havoc in the midst of London, on the Thames River. The plot seems focused around Westminster Bridge and the House of Parliament. The American President is soon to come on a state visit and it appears that the time frame will put the plot going into high gear then.
Mark is able to gain the terrorist's confidence due to his knowledge of the river having come from a family that grew up on it. He knows boats inside and out and it appears that boats are a big part of the plan. As the time grows closer, Mark still doesn't have details of the operation but the ante is upped when the gang manages to capture DC Lacey Flint. Not only is she useful for propaganda purposes, but she is Mark's girlfriend. Can he foil the plot and save Lacey?
The book is mislabeled on Amazon. I bought it because I discovered Sharon Bolton this year and have loved the novels I've read. The book was listed as 400 pages but in reality it is not a novel but a novella and is around 97 pages. The crisp planning and intricate details that characterize Bolton's writing don't have a big enough frame to come into play in this shorter work. I was disappointed in it and would only recommend it to those who understand going in that it is a novella.
Mark is able to gain the terrorist's confidence due to his knowledge of the river having come from a family that grew up on it. He knows boats inside and out and it appears that boats are a big part of the plan. As the time grows closer, Mark still doesn't have details of the operation but the ante is upped when the gang manages to capture DC Lacey Flint. Not only is she useful for propaganda purposes, but she is Mark's girlfriend. Can he foil the plot and save Lacey?
The book is mislabeled on Amazon. I bought it because I discovered Sharon Bolton this year and have loved the novels I've read. The book was listed as 400 pages but in reality it is not a novel but a novella and is around 97 pages. The crisp planning and intricate details that characterize Bolton's writing don't have a big enough frame to come into play in this shorter work. I was disappointed in it and would only recommend it to those who understand going in that it is a novella.
July 4, 2020
This is Bolton at her best, and this story, more than A Dark and Twisted Tide, makes me sad the Lacey Flint seems over. This short story overlaps with the last full-length book - Joesbury is on his undercover mission and you are with him when he shoots Officer Townsend and flees to the dredger we know he's staying on - but the main event happens after Lacey and the death of the mermaid (mid-July). The story is really a puzzle - what's this gang's end target? What's the point of having access to the river and to an experienced boat pilot? Why Joesbury specifically?
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